Top 14 Most Famous Historical and Revolutionary Sites in Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh Presidential Memorial Area at the Presidential Palace, abbreviated as the Presidential Palace Historical Site, is where President Ho Chi Minh lived and worked for the longest time (from December 19, 1954, to September 2, 1969). It was ranked as a Historical Site by the Ministry of Culture and Information on May 15, 1975. Currently, it has been included in the list of 23 special national monuments by the Prime Minister of Vietnam.

At the Presidential Palace, President Ho Chi Minh met with party delegates, religious groups, representatives of workers, farmers, intellectuals, and the military; representatives of ethnic minorities; and overseas Vietnamese representatives. Here, he also met representatives of Vietnamese expatriates returning to visit Vietnam, youth teams, women's associations, etc.

After President Ho Chi Minh passed away, the Presidential Palace became a historical site. Many tourists from Vietnam and around the world come to visit this historical site.

The total area of the historical site is over 14 hectares, including the listed area of 22,000m², consisting of 16 constructions, with the oldest one existing for over 100 years and the newest one for over 40 years. Some prominent constructions in the historical site:

• 'Uncle Ho's Stilt House': built in the style of stilt houses of ethnic minorities in Viet Bac, where President Ho Chi Minh lived from May 18, 1958, to August 17, 1969
• House 54, where President Ho Chi Minh lived and worked from December 19, 1954, to May 18, 1958
• Central Committee Meeting Room, where decisions were made for the 1968 Spring Offensive and Uprising
• House 67, the Central Committee meeting place and where President Ho Chi Minh received medical treatment and passed away
• Presidential Palace Flower Garden, where President Ho Chi Minh often received guests
• Prime Minister's House
• 'Uncle Ho's Trail', where President Ho Chi Minh exercised with the desire to have enough strength to visit the people of South Vietnam in his later years
• 'Uncle Ho's Fish Pond' with an area of 3,320 m², depth of 3 m, with many species of fish released here

Location: Ngoc Ha Ward, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi City

Independence Palace (Reunification Palace), a famous architectural work built by the French in Saigon. The palace was designed by architect Ngô Viết Thụ, who harmoniously combined modern architecture with traditional Eastern architecture. It served as the residence and workplace of the President of the Republic of Vietnam during the war period.

Construction of Independence Palace began on July 1, 1962, and was inaugurated on October 31, 1966. It was built on the site of the former Norodom Palace, also known as Dinh Norodom, designed by the French in 1868.

The palace covers an area of 4500m2 on a 120,000m2 plot of land, including 1 basement, 3 main floors, 2 mezzanines, 1 rooftop terrace, and 1 relaxation floor called 'Quadrangle Floor.' The palace has 100 rooms, each arranged according to its specific purpose. The banquet hall can accommodate 800 people. There are also 2 exhibition rooms covering a total area of 2000m2, a guest house with 33 rooms, a 350KVA backup generator, and various recreational facilities.

In 2009, Independence Palace was classified as one of the country's first 10 special national monuments.

Location: 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

The Củ Chi Tunnels Historical Site is a defensive system located in Củ Chi District, one of the world's 6 most extraordinary man-made structures and one of the 7 most peculiar destinations in Southeast Asia.

This system was dug by the Viet Minh resistance movement and the National Front for the Liberation of South Vietnam during the Indochina and Vietnam Wars. The tunnel system includes field hospitals, numerous living quarters, kitchens, warehouses, workrooms, and an underground tunnel system stretching about 250km, made with primitive tools (saws, shovels). The tunnels, 3-12m underground, are only tall enough for a person to crouch.

The first tunnel, at the forest edge, has a 15m deep well providing drinking water and daily supplies for the entire tunnel area. The tunnel system consists of 3 levels, branching out from the central 'backbone' into countless long and short branches.

• The first level, 3m below ground, can withstand artillery fire and the weight of tanks and armored vehicles
• The second level, about 5m below ground, can withstand small bombs
• The bottom level, 8-12m below ground, is extremely secure

The vertical access points between tunnel levels are cleverly concealed with trapdoors, discreetly camouflaged above to look like termite mounds, with air vents along the tunnel routes.

Location: Provincial Road 15, Phu Hiep Hamlet, Phu My Hung Commune, Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City.

The Hanoi Flagpole, also known as the Hanoi Tower, was built in the 19th century. The Hanoi Flagpole is now the most intact and magnificent structure in the ensemble of monuments in the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long.

The Flagpole consists of three pedestal tiers and a column shaft. The tiered pedestals are square truncated pyramids, diminishing in size, stacked on top of each other and surrounded by bricks.

• The first tier is 42.5m long, 3.1m high, with two brick stairs on top
• The second tier, each side 27 meters long, 3.7 meters high, has four doors, the East door is inscribed with two characters “Nghênh húc” (welcoming the morning sun), the West V door with “Hồi quang” (reflection of light), the South door with “Hướng minh” (facing the light), the North door without an inscription.
• The third tier, each side is 12.8m long, 5.1m high. On this tier is the Flagpole shaft, 18.2m high; an octagonal column, tapering upwards, with each base leg about 2m long. There are 54 spiral steps inside the shaft leading to the top. The entire structure is illuminated (and ventilated) by 39 fan-shaped holes. The top of the flagpole is a 3.3m high octagonal stone slab, eight sides corresponding to eight window panels. In the middle of the floor is a cylinder with a diameter of 40cm, with a flagpole (8m high) inserted into the floor. The entire flagpole is 33.4m high, if the flagpole is included, it is 41.4m high.

In 1989, the Hanoi Flagpole was recognized as a national historical and cultural relic.

Location: On Dien Bien Phu Street opposite Lenin Park, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi City

Thang Long Imperial Citadel (Hanoi Citadel) is the most important relic complex in the system of Vietnamese relics. This is a monumental architectural work built by kings in various periods closely associated with the history of Thang Long Imperial City, Hanoi.

In 1010, King Ly Thai To moved the capital from Hoa Lu to Thang Long, and the citadel was built and expanded in subsequent dynasties. Thang Long Citadel was planned in the style of 'Triple fence, double ramparts' including: the outermost ring called La Thanh or Dai La Thanh, the second ring called Hoang Thanh, between these two layers is the economic and residential area, and the remaining layer is Tu Cam Thanh or Forbidden City, where the king lived. In 1805, the Nguyen Dynasty built Hanoi Citadel and retained the Forbidden City as the royal residence whenever visiting the North. During the French period, when Hanoi Citadel was destroyed, the French also retained this area as the headquarters of the military command.

The remaining ancient architectural works after the destruction of Hanoi Citadel by the French include the following items: Hanoi Flagpole, Doan Mon Gate, Kinh Thien Palace Foundation, Hau Lau (Princess’s Palace), and North Gate.

• Doan Mon Gate is the southern city wall, built in the form of a symmetrical archway through the 'royal axis' with 5 gates: the largest gate in the middle is for the king, the other 4 gates are for officials, princes, and dignitaries.
• Kinh Thien Palace Foundation was destroyed in 1886 to build the French artillery command post. Now only the foundation and two stone dragon steps remain.
• Hau Lau (Princess’s Palace) was built of bricks, in the shape of a box with three floors, combining traditional Vietnamese and French architecture.
• North Gate - Bac Mon was completed in 1805, shaped like a stepped tower: the upper part is a floor, the lower part is a wall. On the upper floor is the place of worship for two governors Nguyen Tri Phuong and Hoang Dieu - who fought to defend the city until death.

At 20:30, on July 31, 2010, Brazilian time, or 6:30 on August 1, 2010, Vietnam time, the World Heritage Committee (WHC) of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) adopted a resolution recognizing the Central Sector of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long - Hanoi as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.

Location: 19C Hoang Dieu Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi

Hoa Lu Ancient Capital is a unique architectural complex in Ninh Binh. It has been recognized by UNESCO as one of the four core zones of the Trang An World Heritage Site. Moreover, the Ancient Capital is also listed by the state as an architectural complex, a unit for protecting national-level cultural relics, which need to be preserved nowadays.

With a history of over 1,000 years, despite many ups and downs, it still preserves historical relics from many eras. These include solid city walls, two majestic temples honoring Kings Dinh Tien and Le Dai Hanh. This place is worthy of being the most fascinating tourist destination in Ninh Binh.

Spanning over 1,000 years of history, the important relics at Hoa Lu Ancient Capital are still preserved until today. Most notably, the temples honoring Kings Dinh Tien Hoang and Le Dai Hanh. These two temples were built during the Ly period and later reconstructed by the Later Le dynasty. The architecture of the temples is modeled after the ancient citadel, with a combination of internal and external construction. Next are the Princess Phat Kim Temple not far away, built during the Pre-Le Dynasty to honor a gentle and generous woman.

The next must-visit destinations are the Nhat Tru Pagoda and the Vườn Thiên Palace

• The Nhat Tru Pagoda was ordered to be built by King Le Dai Hanh in 995. The present pagoda only has the Buddha scripture column in front of the door intact.
• The Vườn Thiên Palace is where Prince Le Long Thau is worshiped, responsible for managing the Tu Thien Tower - an observation tower for natural phenomena and weather forecasting at that time.
  

Location: Truong Yen Commune, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh Province

Festival: Takes place from the 9th to the 11th day of the 3rd lunar month every year

The Hue Imperial City Relics Complex is a historical and cultural relic complex built in the former imperial capital from the early 19th century to the first half of the 20th century under the Nguyen dynasty. Despite the historical ups and downs, Hue still retains the characteristics of the ancient capital, with hundreds of exquisite artworks, all of which carry historical, cultural, and unique style values. Rich, diverse, and imbued with Hue's essence...

Regarding the architectural heritage of the Hue Imperial City, typical relics include: the Imperial City, the Royal Citadel, and the Forbidden Purple City, the tomb system of the Nguyen kings, An Dinh Palace, Forbidden City, the imperial boat landing, Tran Binh Dai, Tran Hai Dinh, Hon Chen Palace, Mrs. Tu Cung's house, Van Mieu Temple, Vo Mieu Temple, Hai Van Gate, etc.

• Hue Imperial City was built by King Gia Long from 1805 and later completed by King Minh Mang in 1832. The Imperial City is square-shaped with a circumference of 10km, 6.6m high, 21m thick, with 10 gates for entry and exit. Around and above the city, 24 fortresses were set up for defense. There is also a secondary gate connected to Tran Binh Dai called Thai Binh Gate.
• The Imperial Inner City (Royal Citadel, Forbidden City): located in the main axis of the Hue Imperial City, it is where the highest institutions of the monarchy are located and is the place of worship for the deceased king. The terrain of the imperial city is nearly square, each side about 600m long, built of bricks, 4m high, 1m thick, with a moat around, and 4 gates for entry and exit. The Imperial Inner City includes over 100 beautiful architectural pieces divided into many areas such as Ngọ Môn, Điện Thái Hòa, Triệu Miếu, Thái Miếu, Hưng Miếu, Thế Miếu, and Điện Phụng Tiên, Phủ Nội Vụ, Vườn Cơ Hạ, and Điện Khâm Văn...
• Forbidden Purple City: is a citadel located within the Royal Citadel just behind the Thai Hoa Palace. The Forbidden Purple City is reserved for the king and the royal family.
• In addition, there are other typical architectural structures such as the tombs of the Nguyen kings, Nam Giao Esplanade, Van Mieu and Ho Quyen,...

On December 11, 1993, the Hue Imperial City Relics Complex was recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage, and was included in the list of 62 especially important national relics by the Prime Minister of Vietnam.

Location: Stretching along both banks of the Perfume River in Hue City and some adjacent areas in Thua Thien Hue Province

ATK - Revolutionary Base Safety is a special national monument, a historical and educational destination for younger generations... This is where President Ho Chi Minh and Party leaders lived and worked from 1947 to 1954 to lead the 9-year resistance against French colonialism.

This ATK area was classified as a nationally significant historical site in 1981. Today, the ATK area preserves many relics of Uncle Ho's residence and workplace, as well as marks many significant historical events of the nation. On December 6-12, 1953, the Central Politburo met at Tinh Keo Hill, approving the East Spring 1953-1954 campaign plan, which led to the glorious victory of Dien Bien Phu, ending the epic and arduous resistance of the people. Many important decrees of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam were signed and issued here, including military service laws, general encouragement orders...land tax reduction, land reform...The ATK headquarters also served as a diplomatic venue for the country's activities during that time.

In 1990, a statue of President Ho Chi Minh, a historical relic museum, and a guest house were built on Tinh Keo Hill, Thai Nguyen Province... Traditional houses were also built in the center of Phu Dinh commune, and exhibitions were introduced. Many valuable cultural relics are on display.

Location: Phu Dinh commune, Dinh Hoa district, Thai Nguyen province

Pác Bó is a famous revolutionary site, where Uncle Ho directly led the Vietnamese revolution. The name Pác Bó literally means 'Mouth of the Spring.' On February 8, 1941, President Ho Chi Minh chose the Coc Bo Cave in Pác Bó as his residence after 30 years of wandering abroad to return to the Fatherland to directly lead the Vietnamese revolution.

Pác Bó, Cao Bằng, is covered by rugged mountains, inviting waterfalls, and lush bamboo forests. Apart from the beautiful scenery, visitors can explore historical landmarks such as Bo Bam Cave, Rac Co Beach, Coc Bo Cave, Lenin Stream, and Marx Mountain.

Nam Stream: Where President Ho Chi Minh directly trained cadres and organized many important Central meetings.

Walking on mossy stone slabs along the stream where Uncle Ho used to work and fish will lead you to a wooden bridge across the Coc Bo crevice. This is the source of the Lenin stream. Pac Bo Cave emerges from the rocky mountain slope. About 1,000m before Pac Bo Cave, there is a large cave and a small cave on the slope of Khuoi Nam Mountain. Here, Uncle Ho convened the 8th Central Conference, adopted a resolution to prepare for armed uprising, established the Vietnam Independence Alliance (Viet Minh), and the Revolutionary Zone.

On May 10, 2012, the Prime Minister decided to classify the Pac Bo Historical Site as a Special National Monument.

Location: Truong Ha commune, Ha Quang district, Cao Bang province

Situated on Hill F-1 among the 45 points of the Special National Monument Dien Bien Phu Battlefield, the Martyrs' Shrine at Dien Bien Phu Battlefield is truly a significant historical and cultural landmark for people and visitors to pay homage to the martyrs who sacrificed for the nation's independence and freedom.

The Martyrs' Shrine at Dien Bien Phu Battlefield - a unique complex covering 50,000m2 harmoniously blends historical, cultural, and ecological elements. The three main pavilions feature cloud patterns and sun motifs representing the indomitable will of the nation.

The structure includes the main shrine, ancestral worship houses, guest houses, service houses, all built with reinforced concrete structures combined with traditional wooden structures, tiled roofs, granite floors, with a total construction area of 303m2. Additionally, there are auxiliary structures such as entrance gates, courtyards, access roads, courtyards, and ponds, meditation gardens; greenery and landscapes,...

Location: The Martyrs' Shrine at Dien Bien Phu Battlefield is located on Hill F, Muong Thanh Ward, Dien Bien Phu City, adjacent to the historical site of Hill A1.

Bạch Đằng Victory Historical Site comprises a complex of stakes, shrines, temples, and pagodas scattered along the left bank of the Bạch Đằng River. Throughout our nation's history, the Bạch Đằng River has witnessed three significant victories against the powerful Northern invaders, marked by wooden stakes planted into its waters. These include the victories of Ngô Quyền in 938, Lê Hoàn in 981, and the peak being the Bạch Đằng Victory of General Trần Quốc Tuấn in 1288.

On September 27, 2012, the Bạch Đằng historical site was classified as a special national historical site in Decision No. 1419/QD-TTg by the Prime Minister.

The historical sites within the area include:

• Yen Giang Stake Field: (Yen Giang Ward, Quang Yen Town), discovered in 1953, excavated in 1958, 1969, 1976, 1984, and 1988
• Dong Van Muoi Stake Field: (Nam Hoa Ward, Quang Yen Town), discovered in 1958, excavated in 2005
• Dong Ma Ngua Stake Field: (Nam Hoa Ward, Quang Yen Town), discovered in 2009, excavated in 2010
• Tran Hung Dao Temple: (Yen Giang Ward, Quang Yen Town), situated on ancient land amidst the Bạch Đằng River, the central location of the 1288 Bạch Đằng battle, it honors the national hero Tran Quoc Tuan.

Additionally, there are the Vua Ba Temple, Jungle Ferry Pier, Trung Coc Temple, Trung Ban Communal House, Yen Giang Communal House, and Den Cong Communal House.

Location: distributed in Yen Giang Ward, Nam Hoa Ward, Lien Hoa Commune in Quang Yen Town and Dien Cong Commune in Uong Bi City, Quang Ninh Province.

Festival: The Bạch Đằng Festival takes place from the 6th to the 9th of March in the lunar calendar.

Con Dao Prison is a prison complex on Con Dao Island. This prison system was built by the French to imprison and establish a regime of exile for over 20,000 revolutionaries. The patriotic revolutionaries endured the cunning schemes and brutalities of the prison guards, but their spirits never wavered. Later, the U.S. used it to detain prisoners during the Vietnam War. This place documents the serious mistreatment of prisoners by the French colonialists, the U.S. military, and the Republic of Vietnam regime.

The prison system includes 7 detention camps, 2 isolation areas, and 127 cells, 44 tiger cages, and 504 isolation cells built by both the French colonial government and the Republic of Vietnam government. This prison system was once considered the 'hell on earth,' the harshest prison in Indochina.

'Hell on earth' saw prisoners falling every day. From scarce food and brutal torture methods of the guards to the torturous conditions in the 'tiger cages,' 'cow sheds,' and rice milling chambers... Among the detention areas, the 'tiger cages' were the most severe. Prisoners were confined in a 5m2 room, lying on a cement floor, and shackled, subjected to frequent torture.

On May 10, 2012, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung signed a decision to classify Con Dao Prison as a special national historical site.

Location: Center of Con Dao District, Ba Ria Vung Tau Province

Dong Loc T-Junction, the place that had to endure thousands of bombs from American planes and the noble sacrifice of a platoon with 10 young female volunteers.

The location of Dong Loc T-Junction is the intersection of National Highway 15A and Provincial Road 2 (Ha Tinh Province). During the resistance against the U.S., all roads from the North to the South had to pass through here. American planes concentrated a huge amount of bombs to attack this junction and the volunteer section of the road. In less than 20 kilometers of road, there were 2,057 bomb strikes.

Platoon 4 (with Vo Thi Tan as platoon leader) consisted of 15 girls aged 17 to 24, tasked with repairing the road for passing vehicles. On July 24, 1968, after many bomb strikes devastated the road section, the girls remained at their positions. As soon as the bombing stopped, they rushed out with hoes and shovels to fill bomb craters, repair the road, and clear the way for vehicles. By 4:30 p.m., the 15th bomb strike of the day hit Dong Loc, with one bomb landing dangerously close to the shelter where 10 girls were taking cover. All 10 girls sacrificed themselves, holding only hoes and shovels in their hands. They sacrificed at the prime of their lives.

Today, Dong Loc T-Junction is the resting place of the 10 heroic girls on the hill, next to the green former bomb crater, surrounded by lush greenery and the sound of rustling leaves. Here stands a monument commemorating the 10 heroic girls.

On December 9, 2013, Dong Loc T-Junction Historical Site was recognized by the Prime Minister as a Special National Historical Site

Location: Dong Loc Commune, Can Loc District, Ha Tinh Province

The Ho Citadel (also known as the Tây Đô Citadel, Tây Giai Citadel) was built by Hồ Quý Ly in 1397 using very large and sturdy green stone blocks.

The Ho Citadel is a phenomenon of innovative techniques in mining, crafting, and constructing a grand structure using basic materials of finely chiseled green stones, stacked closely without the need for binding agents. The average length of the stone blocks is 1.5m, with a thickness ranging from 15-20 tons. The citadel is nearly square in shape, with a length of 870.5m from north to south and 883.5m from east to west. The four gates of the citadel are aligned in the cardinal directions of South - North - West - East, known as the front - rear - left - right gates. These gates are constructed with vaulted architecture. The stones above the gate arches are intricately chiseled in the shape of pomelo segments, tightly stacked upon each other. The front gate (south side) is the main gate, with three doors. The central door is 5.82m wide and 5.75m high, while the two side doors are 5.45m wide and 5.35m high (the remaining gates have only one door). The average height of the citadel walls is 5-6 meters, with the highest point at the gate towering 10 meters.

On June 27, 2011, the Ho Citadel was recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage Site, and it was also evaluated by CNN as one of the 21 most outstanding and magnificent heritages in the world. This ancient citadel, built entirely of stone, is associated with a short-lived dynasty (1400 - 1407) but has made notable innovations.

Location: Located in the areas of Tây Giai and Xuân Giai villages (Vĩnh Tiến commune), Đông Môn village (Vĩnh Long commune), Vĩnh Lộc district, Thanh Hóa province